The race for qualification from Group C of the FIFA World Cup African qualifiers will be decided on the final day, after a tense round of matches on Friday left three teams still in contention.
With one game remaining, Benin Republic lead the table with 17 points, closely followed by South Africa on 15, and Nigeria on 14. The decisive fixtures on Tuesday will determine who secures the group’s sole automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In Durban, South Africa were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Zimbabwe, denying Bafana Bafana the chance to seal early qualification. They must now defeat Rwanda in their final game to stand any chance of progressing.
In Polokwane, Nigeria kept their hopes alive with a gritty 2–1 win over Lesotho. Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Akor Adams doubled the lead to give the Super Eagles a crucial victory.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic continued their impressive run with a disciplined 1–0 triumph over Rwanda, thanks to a late goal from Tosin Aiyegun. The result leaves Gernot Rohr’s side one win away from a historic World Cup appearance.
Nigeria last featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they exited at the group stage after a narrow 2–1 defeat to Argentina. The team missed out on the 2022 edition in Qatar, losing their playoff ticket to Ghana on away goals. Failure to qualify again would extend Nigeria’s absence from the global stage to 12 years, with the next opportunity not until 2030.
Decisive Showdown in Uyo
The Super Eagles now face a must-win clash against Benin Republic on Tuesday, October 14, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Victory is non-negotiable if Nigeria are to keep their qualification dreams alive — though their fate may still depend on other results.
How Nigeria Can Qualify
- Beat Benin Republic: A win in Uyo is essential to stay in contention.
- Hope for a South Africa slip-up: Nigeria need South Africa to drop points against Rwanda.
- Goal difference factor: A draw for South Africa, coupled with a Nigerian win by two or more goals, could see the Super Eagles finish top on goal difference.
Opponents’ Watch
- South Africa vs Rwanda: To be played at the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit — a fixture that Nigerian fans will follow closely.
- Lesotho vs Zimbabwe: Both sides are already eliminated and will play for pride.
With everything at stake, Tuesday’s match in Uyo promises to be a defining night — one that could rekindle Nigeria’s World Cup dream or mark another painful miss.
Chelle Unfazed by Lookman Suspension
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has brushed aside concerns over the suspension of Ademola Lookman, who will miss the decisive encounter after picking up a second yellow card during the win over Lesotho.
Chelle substituted the Atalanta winger in the 71st minute for Samuel Chukwueze, but later insisted that the setback would not affect the team’s focus.
“The suspension is unfortunate, but the team has the strength and character to win,” Chelle said after the match.
